3 Ways To Move On From Someone Who Doesn't Like You - WikiHow

Home » When You Like Someone Who Doesn't Like You » 3 Ways To Move On From Someone Who Doesn't Like You - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Move on from Someone Who Doesn't Like You PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Taking Time to Reflect
    • |
  • Beginning to Move on
    • |
  • Making a Clean Break
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II. Ebony Eubanks is a Therapist, and Founder and CEO of Peaceful Living Counseling and Professional Services of Philadelphia, PA and in Hockessin, DE. With over a decade of experience providing counseling and coaching to individuals, couples, and groups, she specializes in depression, anxiety, couples work, life guidance coaching, and anger management. Ebony holds a Master’s in Social Work from Temple University and is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. She is a Certified Anger Management Specialist-II, Level II trained Gottman Couples Therapist. and Certified Gestalt Therapist. Ebony also holds additional certifications in Advanced Clinician Training. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 352,650 times.

You've loved someone for quite some time now, only to be rejected. Whether they said it or not, it still hurts. You're tired of being rejected and you love this person so much, you don't see how you could ever move on. But the truth of the matter is that you deserve much better. You're strong and you're capable of finding someone who respects you for who you are, and loves you for all your quirks. If you want to move on from someone who doesn't like you anymore, read on to find how!

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Taking Time to Reflect

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cry, and cry a lot. 1 Cry, and cry a lot. The first thing that you should do is give yourself an appropriate amount of time to grieve.[1] Crying will get out all of your emotions instead of keeping them bottled up inside. This is called "catharsis." Research shows that crying is a stress reliever and it actually makes you healthier.[2] [3]
    • Think about it. Let's say you're filling water up in a bathtub and your phone rings. You figure "it's taking forever to fill up, I'll just go talk to so and so for a moment and come right back." You talk on the phone for 10 minutes, forgetting all about the water you left running in the bathroom. By the time you're done on the phone and you enter the restroom, water has seeped everywhere and onto the floor. You run to turn it off, but by that time it's too late. That's what it is like if you don't cry. You will eventually explode and overflow with emotions.
    • The best thing to do is get it all out. Don't be afraid of crying. If you feel more comfortable doing it in private, ask to be excused for a moment to use the restroom or go to your room. Find a good place for crying. Depending on how emotionally attached you were to this person, you'll probably be going to this special place specifically for crying a lot.
  2. Step 2 Think about all the bad things associated with the person you loved. 2 Think about all the bad things associated with the person you loved. You might think this person has no flaws and they're perfect, but that's probably not true. The old saying really is true: nobody's perfect. Try to make a list of everything you disliked about them and their flaws. The more you find about the person that you didn't like, the easier it will be to convince your heart that they were the wrong person for you.[4]
    • Maybe they were rude to your best friend or they had horrible friends. Maybe they constantly put you down, damaging your self-esteem. Maybe they had a problem being honest, saying they'd do things and then never follow through. Whatever it is, write it down and when you start feeling those old feelings creeping back, read the list.
    • Also, try to think about any negative feelings you had while interacting with them. Negative feelings are different from bad qualities: they're how they made you feel, not what they did. Did you feel like your family friendships were compromised because your parents thought that person was wrong for you? Did that make you feel less secure in your judgments? Does that person bring you down a lot? These are only some of the things you can consider.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Imagine some of the negative consequences of your interaction with this person. 3 Imagine some of the negative consequences of your interaction with this person. Maybe there weren't very many negative consequences that happened as a result of your relationship. But there's a good chance that you can probably think of some if you try:
    • Did they cause an unhealthy fixation on the past?
    • Did they manipulate you to get what they wanted?
    • Did they keep you from realizing your own dreams in favor of theirs?
    • Did they cause you to believe that you should only be spending time with them, and not with other friends or family?
    • Did they cause you to learn bad stress management or conflict resolution skills by constantly fighting or playing games with you?
    4. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Beginning to Move on

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Get away from everything that reminds you of them until you're over them. 1 Get away from everything that reminds you of them until you're over them. This means not going to places that you had experiences with them at, putting away old pictures, and maybe even deleting their contact information from your phone or removing them from Facebook. It might seem rude, but you need to understand that you have to move on in life.[5]
    • Here's one way to think about it. If you're stopped at a red light and all the sudden it goes green, everyone else is going forward with their lives and you're just stuck. You will eventually get hit by another car or fined for staying in the middle of the road. You can move, but it takes effort to put your foot to the gas. Move on. You do not want to be the person stuck at the red light any longer.
    • If seeing them on your home page on Facebook or seeing them on your phone will bring back sudden memories or you will be tempted to contact them, you need to delete them.
    • If you own anything of theirs, now might be a good time to give it back to them if it holds memories or is important to them. If you want to avoid seeing them altogether, you can get a friend to deliver it, or ship it in the mail.
    • Getting rid of things that remind you of them is not the same as destroying things. It may not be a great idea to send all of their belongings up into smoke by burning it in a funeral pyre. It's recommended that you store things, shelving them away, instead of destroying things. You want to temporarily forget about the memories, not destroy them altogether.
  2. Step 2 Go on a mini-vacation. 2 Go on a mini-vacation. It can be a stay-cation if you want (late night slumber party, anyone?) or it can be a full-blown vacation, off to an exotic destination. Whatever it is, you deserve it. You've been putting in a lot of work into this, and other, relationships, which means you've earned a break.
    • Taking a vacation doesn't have to mean traveling far. In fact, you can still have a vacation if you stay in the same city. The trick is convincing your mind to let loose and act like you're in a totally foreign place. So meet some locals, go to a museum you've never gone to, and soak it all in.
  3. Step 3 Get your mind off them. 3 Get your mind off them. Hanging out with friends, joining a club (i.e. drama clubs, creative writing or book clubs, online clubs, etc.) can help a lot. Do anything to get your mind off them. Write song lyrics or stories, do homework, hang out with friends at the mall, watch movies; all of these things work. Make sure that you're not thinking of them and there is absolutely no reason for you to encounter them or think about them.
    • For example, if they work at the mall and your friends want to go there, don't go. Stay home and do something else. The whole point is to move on, and for most people who are in love, the moment they see their loved one again or the moment they start to communicate with them, old feelings begin coming back. So make sure you won't be seeing them at all.[6]
    • Try to find a hobby you're interested in such as art, music, writing, books, dance, etc. You can also kill two birds with one stone by trying to get something good done while moving on, such as losing weight, studying or doing homework, practicing for a speech or playact, or earning money.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Making a Clean Break

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 If you're ready, try to find someone new to love. 1 If you're ready, try to find someone new to love. You could meet this person in a bookstore or a coffee shop, online, or in the middle of the street. Never lose hope as to where you will find your one true love. It obviously didn't work out with you and the other person you once loved, otherwise you wouldn't be here right now. If it didn't work out between you two, it wasn't meant to be.[7]
    • Everything happens for a reason in the great scheme of things. Know that better things are ahead for you, and be glad that your love story will be in the future and not in the past. Motivate yourself for the future and never give up on finding your true love, because they are out there somewhere.
  2. Step 2 When looking for a special someone, remember to learn from the relationship mistakes of the past. 2 When looking for a special someone, remember to learn from the relationship mistakes of the past. You're probably going to start looking for someone new, which means exposing yourself to different situations and people. Throughout it all, remember to learn from past relationship mistakes instead of making them all over again. That way, you hopefully only have to move on once and put that behind you. Fingers crossed![8]
    • For example, if you were in a manipulative relationship with someone, look for clues in the next possible relationship that it's turning manipulative. Stay away from people who make you feel bad for not getting what they want. Stay away from those who can't ever admit having done something wrong.
    • You may be attracted to the pitfalls of the other person, and actively (or unconsciously) look for those in a new mate. But that's only because that person didn't give you the benefit of a healthy, active, mutually-respecting relationship. Once you're in a healthy, active, mutually-respecting relationship, you'll begin to realize that all the things you thought you needed in a relationship were, in fact, things that kept you from achieving your fullest happiness.
    • Be wary of rebound relationships. Be mindful that you are vulnerable after rejection and that you cannot fathom whether or not someone new is going to form a safe, good and healthy relationship with you, don't get involved until you are sure about this. It can be better to give yourself a break to work out what you really need from a relationship than to rush in and repeat mistakes and bad decisions.[9]
  3. Step 3 Get in the mindset that it's good that it happened, but everything has to end sometime. 3 Get in the mindset that it's good that it happened, but everything has to end sometime. Appreciate the memories you shared with this person. There were probably good lessons learned. Don't wish it never happened — just wish to move on. Sometimes, moving on can be happy, too. You just have to see the good that this experience has shown you.
  4. Step 4 Let go now of false hope. 4 Let go now of false hope. Somewhere in your mind, you're going to think "I can make them love me. Maybe they didn't mean that, they were just embarrassed. Maybe one day everything will work out." No. Let go of all of that. In order to move on, you need to know now that there is no hope for you guys. If they rejected you, they were probably being serious and holding onto false hope is not going to help you whatsoever. Know that if they wanted you, they would come back to you.[10]
    • If they haven't already, you have to move on and let go of any false hope between the two of you. You can't make someone love you, and if you're thinking that, you might as well drop those thoughts. Everyone does it-you think it'll make you feel better. But in reality, it's really only making the situation worse because you're once again not moving on.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Should I keep dating if I feel that he doesn't like me? Community Answer Community Answer If the boy does not like you and you can tell by the way he acts when he is near you, then you should find somebody new to like. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 32
  • Question How do I stop my urge to stalk someone, and call and text too much? Community Answer Community Answer You need a hobby or some other sort of distraction. Your mind is idle and that's why you keep thinking about this. Do some volunteer work, get a job, or take classes in something you've been wanting to learn, such as art or dance. This will help keep your mind off of him. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 39
  • Question How can I forget someone who doesn't love me but wants me to stay? Community Answer Community Answer Try to think about his/her flaws. That might help you move on. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 28
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Remember that there's absolutely nothing wrong with you and if they cannot accept you for who you are then they are simply not worth it! Harsh, but true. You deserve to be with someone who truly cares. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Know that there are other fish in the sea, and no matter how much you love this person, time will heal all wounds. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Concentrate on breaking the cycle of manipulation. Listen to your inner voice for red flags and warnings. Your first reaction is usually the right one. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • If you have false hope, let go of it. The majority of the time your accusations and hopes for this relationship will turn out to be false, resulting in your heart being broken. This will prolong the misery, healing and moving on. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 1
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Stop Loving SomeoneEffective Ways to Get Over Someone You Love Move on from a Lost Relationship or a Crush Gone WrongHow toMove on from a Lost Relationship or a Crush Gone Wrong Make Yourself Not Love SomeoneHow toMake Yourself Not Love Someone Get Over a RelationshipHow toGet Over a Relationship Forget Someone You LoveHow toForget Someone You Love Let Someone GoHow toLet Someone Go Fall Out of LoveHow toFall Out of Love Let Go of a Failed RelationshipHow toLet Go of a Failed Relationship Stop Loving Someone Who Doesn't Love YouHow toStop Loving Someone Who Doesn't Love You Stop Caring About Someone14 Ways to Stop Caring about Someone and Move On with Your Life Deal With Getting DumpedHow toDeal With Getting Dumped Ignore Your Feelings for Someone That Doesn't Feel the SameHow to Suppress Feelings for Someone Who Doesn't Feel the Same Stop Loving Your ExHow toStop Loving Your Ex Get Over Someone You LoveHow to Get Over Someone You Love: 20 Ways to Move On Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-get-over-someone.html
  2. ↑ https://www.happierhuman.com/get-over-someone/
  3. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/blog/7-good-reasons-to-cry-your-eyes-out/
  4. ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/helpful-breakup-advice_n_5c2e54cee4b05c88b7073bbf
  5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201501/7-mistakes-you-need-to-avoid-after-a-breakup
  6. ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/break-up-how-to-get-over-someone-fast-you-like-relationships-psychology-a8240891.html
  7. ↑ https://www.happierhuman.com/get-over-someone/
  8. ↑ https://www.finerminds.com/love-relationships/7-beautiful-lessons-you-can-learn-from-failed-relationships/
  9. ↑ Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II. Therapist. Expert Interview
More References (1)
  1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-forward/201508/5-ways-move-ex-you-still-love

About This Article

Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II Co-authored by: Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II Therapist This article was co-authored by Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II. Ebony Eubanks is a Therapist, and Founder and CEO of Peaceful Living Counseling and Professional Services of Philadelphia, PA and in Hockessin, DE. With over a decade of experience providing counseling and coaching to individuals, couples, and groups, she specializes in depression, anxiety, couples work, life guidance coaching, and anger management. Ebony holds a Master’s in Social Work from Temple University and is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. She is a Certified Anger Management Specialist-II, Level II trained Gottman Couples Therapist. and Certified Gestalt Therapist. Ebony also holds additional certifications in Advanced Clinician Training. This article has been viewed 352,650 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 37 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 352,650 Categories: Love | Crush Heartbreak Article SummaryX

It can be tough when someone doesn’t like you back, but by having some time away and prioritizing your needs, you can move on and help yourself heal. Try to avoid the person as much as possible so you can start to move on and focus on the things that are important to you. Avoid things that remind you of them too, like certain music and photos. If they’re always showing up in your feed, consider blocking or unfollowing them from social media. Distract yourself by doing hobbies you enjoy and hanging out with your friends. You can also join a new club or sports team to keep you busy. This will also give you the opportunity to meet new people. You never know, your next crush might be right around the corner. For more tips, including what to look for in a future partner, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian French Russian Indonesian Dutch
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 352,650 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Teresa Liones

    Teresa Liones

    May 19, 2019

    "I loved someone so much, but he always treated me badly. I broke up with him, but I missed him and couldn't..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II Co-authored by: Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II Therapist 2 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 37 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 352,650 Teresa Liones

Teresa Liones

May 19, 2019

"I loved someone so much, but he always treated me badly. I broke up with him, but I missed him and couldn't..." more Fifi Lithebe

Fifi Lithebe

Jan 4, 2019

"I learned how to accept it if a guy doesn't love me anymore." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Will I Ever Find Love QuizWill I Ever Find Love QuizTake QuizWhy Am I Single QuizWhy Am I Single QuizTake QuizShould We Break Up QuizShould We Break Up QuizTake QuizAm I Falling Out of Love QuizAm I Falling Out of Love QuizTake QuizHow Hard Has My Life Been QuizHow Hard Has My Life Been QuizTake QuizAm I Worthy of Being Loved QuizAm I Worthy of Being Loved QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Stop Loving SomeoneEffective Ways to Get Over Someone You LoveMove on from a Lost Relationship or a Crush Gone WrongHow toMove on from a Lost Relationship or a Crush Gone WrongMake Yourself Not Love SomeoneHow toMake Yourself Not Love SomeoneGet Over a RelationshipHow toGet Over a Relationship

Trending Articles

Will I Ever Find Love QuizWill I Ever Find Love QuizAm I Autistic QuizAm I Autistic QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NamePractice KissingHow toPractice Kissing5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape

Watch Articles

Amazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForAmazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForDevelop Listening SkillsHow toDevelop Listening SkillsNot Lose Your GirlfriendHow toNot Lose Your Girlfriend Draw an OwlHow to Draw an OwlTreat AllergiesHow toTreat AllergiesIntroduce Friends to Other FriendsHow toIntroduce Friends to Other Friends

Trending Articles

What Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Depression Test for TeensDepression Test for TeensBe PrettyHow toBe Pretty Sleep Next to a Snoring Husband: Our 8 Best Tips & TricksHow to Sleep Next to a Snoring Husband: Our 8 Best Tips & Tricks

Quizzes & Games

Am I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Love Personality QuizWhat Is My Love Personality QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake QuizWhat's My Dating Style?What's My Dating Style?Take QuizWhat's Your Red Flag QuizWhat's Your Red Flag QuizTake QuizAm I Clingy QuizAm I Clingy QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Health
  • Psychological Health
  • Emotions and Feelings
  • Love
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get wikiHow's expert advice in our new

Weekly Relationships Newsletter

Subscribe The first issue is coming soon! X --551

Tag » When You Like Someone Who Doesn't Like You